Cornell Hotel School Chances/Advice

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>After being greatly interested in the hospitality and business industries, I recently visited the Cornell Hotel School and fell in love with it. It is my absolute first choice and I am already positive it is where I will be applying early decision. </p>

<p>I am currently a Junior at a competitive public high school in MA (ranked top 15 in the state by Boston Magazine and ranked top 50 in the state by US News). My test scores will not be outstanding. I'd predict around a 2050/1320 give or take a few. My GPA will probably be around a 3.6 (due to a 3.3 freshman year) by the end of junior year. </p>

<p>I am concerned about my course rigor. There are 4 levels for math and science classes at my school. I am in the 2nd highest level of each (APs aren't offered until senior year - of which there are 7). I am in the highest language level and the rest of my classes are not labeled in level. I plan to take 2 AP classes next year: AB Calc (wouldn't be able to handle BC) and the other is TBD. </p>

<p>Do you think that such a low GPA in rigor-lacking classes along with just an average SAT score would completely void my chances? Is it even worth applying -- am I in the range, do I stand any chances? </p>

<p>I am looking for a job at a hotel or restaurant this year. Do you have any other recommendations on how I can portray my passion to them, whether it be through certain ECs or in other ways? I really want to go to the Cornell Hotel School, it is my absolute dream. </p>

<p>(Not sure if this plays a role, but I currently have 2 step-sisters and 1 step-brother at various schools within Cornell; however, they're statistics were very different than mine). Also, my step-dad went to Cornell, does that count as legacy/is it a hook? No financial aid is necessary). </p>

<p>Any general advice or suggestions on what to do from here to increase my chances would be much appreciated! Thank you very much!</p>

2

<p>Hotel definitely considers a lot of other factors besides academics so don’t be too worried about your grades. Just try your best. If you work hard junior and senior year I think you’d be a competitive applicant IF you also get a job related to the hospitality industry. I’m a freshman right now so I know what you’re going through since I just went through it a year ago.</p>

3

<p>You would be considered legacy because of your stepdad. The fact your step siblings are at Cornell would help also. I would take the SAT again to bring it closer to 2200 (not a deal breaker). Hotel school is more about “fit.” You need to have some sort of hospitality experience. Apply ED.</p>

4

<p>I definitely will be applying ED. Thanks Starburts and oldfort, I feel a lot better now. I was feeling pretty unconfident. I don’t think I could break a 2200 on SATs so I’d rather look for other ways to show my “fit”. Any additional suggestions to working in the hospitality industry? </p>

<p>Also, do either of you have any idea whether or not they value certain hospitality work experience over other? (i.e. Does working at a hotel look more impressive to them than working at a restaurant or country club)? </p>

<p>But overall you two don’t think it matters that I am not in the most rigorous classes my school offers?</p>

5

<p>I’ve talked to a lot of kids here. Though many of them worked in hospitality, it’s totally fine that you’ve been working in a country club. As long as you relate it to the hospitality field and make sure it makes sense when you write your essay.</p>